Back to School: The New Normal

The classroom is more than just a place for learning and academics. It’s a place where students develop important social and emotional skills as they learn to get along with others. Schools also provide adolescents with exercise and healthy meals that they may not get at home. For most families, a classroom is a safe place for their children to be while mom and dad are away at work. Not to mention that their friends look forward to seeing them there every day. Let’s talk about back to school: the new normal.

This is an updated post from one I wrote during the challenges of school attendance during the throws of the Covid-19 period. Much has changed since then, so many back-to-school considerations are similar to what we thought about before 2020. Most restrictions have been lifted throughout the country, but those families who have been home-schooling kids may need a refresher on what to plan for.

Back to School: The New Normal

With Covid-19 in the rearview mirror, for the most part, school districts have made preparations so that it’s even safer for their students to return to the classroom than last year. Many additional home-schooled kids will be back in class and the regular routines of the past will be in place. While there may be a few new routines for parents to consider particularly if their children are changing schools, most daily activities will seem the same as pre-Covid. This post should help you prepare for back to school with a few new things to keep in mind.

A Return to the Classroom

Besides thinking about that big day school starts by updating the school shopping list for things like pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, new laptops for older kids, and new apparel as kids grow and trends change, getting them mentally prepared is important too. Unless your children have been involved in camps or summer school where academics are stressed, they probably have lost some focus and will need to regroup for homework and time management issues.

As school starts, learning will certainly have its challenges for students as they get back in new routines. It will certainly help if you encourage some reading time, time without phones, and limited social media activity. They also need to get used to earlier bedtimes so they get enough sleep.

I read a great article in this month’s Costco Connection magazine about the use of backpacks by kids of all ages. It outlines things to protect your kids when it comes to buying an using a backpack by kids of all ages. They discuss issues I hadn’t thought about regarding the risk of injury with heavy backpacks. As your kids get older and more involved in school classes, you need to consider the size, overall weight, and weight distribution as they load and carry their backpacks. Check out that article, if you can. In case you missed this post, Back To School Backpack Survival Kit  

Adjusting to a New School

I have a friend, Jess, whose kids are moving from a home-school environment to attending regular public school. It’s a real adjustment for them and something she’s had to plan for. If your child is just starting school or maybe changing because they are moving from elementary to middle school or middle school to high school there is some natural anxiety to be expected.

Consider taking your child to the school a few days early and walking the building or campus. They’ll need to know where the lunchroom, library, restroom, and gym are located. The school may be willing to help conduct a short tour, but if not, get permission and do it yourself. The shift from elementary is middle school can be tough for a child who is used to one main teacher since now they’ll have a new teacher for each class.

Social Distancing

Social distancing is the number one priority for schools to keep everyone safe and healthy. Students and teachers are required to keep a minimum of 6 feet apart to avoid close contact. Desks will be placed at least 3 feet apart in most schools. 

• Depending on what school your student is attending, your child may be required to wear their face covering even while at their desk, while for others, it may be deemed a safe place where your child can take it off for a brief period of time. 
• Teachers will also see to it that students wash and sanitize their hands regularly, and have them sanitize their desk areas when they’re finished. Washing their hands should be with warm water and soap for a minimum of 20 seconds.  
• Several activities such as music class, gym, band, and orchestra can be done in a safer environment, such as outside and spread out in larger rooms. 

When it comes to changing classrooms and limiting interaction, many schools are requiring the teachers to change classrooms, rather than the students. 

What about Crowded Places?

There’s no denying it. At certain points throughout the school day, your child may be in a crowded place, whether it’s riding on the bus, walking down the hallway, or playing out on the playground. School districts are facing this problem head-on. Here’s what you can expect. 

Transportation

When your child is riding the school bus with other students, they will be required to wear a face mask or cover at all times. Assigned seating will be put in place not only for elementary students but for middle school and high school students as well. Schools are also encouraging parents to take their children to school if that’s an option, to cut down on the risk of exposure.   

Hallways

You may have noticed at certain grocery stores and businesses that you’ve visited lately there are direction arrows on the floor. School hallways and stairs may be marked with arrows to cut down on and influence hallway traffic. Students may even be required to walk in single-file lines. Many schools are making the decision to not use lockers at this point, and if they are, to assign lockers by group. 

Lunch Time

Instead of eating their lunches in the lunchroom, some schools are having students eat their lunches in the classroom, or outside in small groups.  

Playgrounds

Teachers have been advised to allow students to play on the playground, but only in smaller groups and in certain locations on a particular day. Schools will also see to it that the equipment is being cleaned properly and on a regular schedule. 

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Schools have been required by the CDC to follow certain cleaning and disinfecting guidelines to keep students and teachers more safe. It won’t be uncommon for your student to see a large supply of disinfectants and other cleaners in the classroom and they may be encouraged to clean their study and work areas several times each day.   

Students at Greater Risk

With the new policies that your children’s school has in place, the risk of Covid-19 will be considerably reduced, but not completely preventable. Students who have medical conditions are at greater risk and may need other accommodations to keep them safe. If your child fits this description, talk with your pediatrician and the school nurse to come up with other safety precautions to keep your child as safe as possible.   

Symptoms at School 

Schools are not required to test students and faculty for COVID, so as a parent, it’s important for you to pay closer attention to your child. Parents are advised that if their children are experiencing symptoms of COVID, or a fever of over 100.4 degrees, that their child needs to stay home. But if a child is not feeling well or has symptoms that show up while they’re at school, there needs to be a designated space where the student can be isolated from others. 

Final Word

The “new normal” for your child at school will feel anything other than normal for a period of time, but children are resilient. They’re more adaptable to change than we as adults are. Take the time to sit down with your son or daughter and go over the school’s new policies that are in place for this school year, which ensures everyone’s health and safety.

With students, teachers, and other faculty members cooperating, the school will continue to be one of the safest places for children to be.  What does your back to school: the new normal look like? Please keep prepping, we must. May God bless this world, Linda

Copyright Images: School Bus Deposit photos_30815591_s-2019, School Supplies Deposit photos_107964004_s-2019

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